PROPOSAL:

This proposal makes a direct response to Parrik Ervell’s brief to create a space in which the elements of the space ‘decay’ over the period of the installation whiles exploring the material qualities of the fabrics that are characteristic of Ervell’s clothing and his brand aesthetIc.

AMBITION:

The ambitIon is to create a space which truly embraces the temporal nature of the installatIon, a space where the surrounding change over time as the exhibiton progresses, acting as a continuing marker of the exhibitions lifespan. The space also aims to use a range of different materials incidental to Ervell’s brand aesthetic to guide the visitor through the space without the need for blatant signage.

THE SPACES:

Making use of the large shop front windows, the installation initially aims to spark visitors interest before even entering the property. Through the glass the entrance sequence to the collection can be seen, however the collection itself is not given away. Once the visitor enters the space they are greeted with a number of screens of varying material, a small bespake table surface containing information about the collection and Patrik Ervell’s name and collection season. The two flanking screens are of untreated cotton twill pre--‐dyed in ink based dyes of navy and tan, the centre screen is of a thin rubberised material, giving a frosted view of what lays behind, enticing the visitor to explore further into the space. The screens that are of fabric each contain a small trough of water built into the head of their frame. The fabric that is stretched over the frame is in contact with the water in the trough and absorbs small amounts of the water that will gradually travel down the length of the fabric, due to capillary action, over the period the of exhibition. As the fabrics are pre--‐dyed in dye based inks, the colour will gradually wash out as the water travels down the fabric creating unpredictable but interesting patterns. In using dye--‐based inks, only a small amount of water is required to wash the colour out, meaning the structural requirements for weight are minimal and the fabric need never become saturated. A small trough would be built into the bottom of the frame in order to capture any excess moisture contained within the fabric. By using a range of different materials we will see different reactions to this process due to weave, thread count, and characteristics of the material making for a varied exhibition space. It is also important to note that each screen is of a set modular size, set by the material ream width, thus minimizing wastage. It is also planned that each fabric sheet be removed from its frame and sold on as one off commemorative pieces in aid of a chosen charity. Once the visitor ventures round the initial entrance sequence they enter a long thin space, each side built up of fabric screen of various dyed materials and of different angles to create ample display space. Behind each is lighting emphasizing the material qualities and patterns created on the fabrics. At the end of the main display space the BOFFO Supima piece will sit creating a focal point and vista to the room. This will sit upon a specially designed plinth, containing the same system as the larger fabric screens. Beyond this there are a number of smaller spaces that are not instantly visible, creating a more private and relaxed browsing/shopping environment. These spaces include changing, checkout, storage and to the left hand side a space which contains seating a projector system. This space to the left hand side would run a continuous loop of the fall/winter 2011 collection catwalk show and when required the space can be used to meet with clients and hold editorial meeting whilst maintaining the ability to give video presentations. Each of these smaller spaced are characterised by pre‐died and fully dried curtain of a vibrant colour amongst the navies and tans, much like the small hints of colour we see in Ervell’s catwalk shows. Once again, the very rear of the space the visitor is greeted with a similar set of screen to that at the entrance, this Time leading to the VIP area.